Return to Africa

Modern Africa is coming strong as one of the biggest trends in the coming year.  Safari fever is coming as renowned designer Michael Kors presented his Spring 2012 Collection. "Afriluxe is the new mood as it take tribal to ultra-high levels global style.  Earth tones such as limestone, olive, clay, impala antelope, creamy tones of ivory and warm sunset shades of amber sienna and cinnabar define the new palette of Africa.  Modern minimalism is creating an easy laid back feel as seen in soft djellabas, caftans, ponchos, capes sarongs and wind coats.  Style is in the raw presented with chic artisan textures such as distressed cashmere, linen, leather, patchworks and hand dyed fabrications.  
For Spring-Summer 2012, Michael Kors gives his classic sportswear some edge with tribal prints, bold tie-dye treatments, frayed edges, feathers, and python accents giving a new chic look to jetset dressing.

In the Philippines, Michael Kors is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.(SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’sMakati, The Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Newport Mall.

Beyond Statement

Dreaming of a new bag this season, the author found the pot of gold in Bottega Veneta's Fall Winter 2011 accessories for men.  Loving these must-have pieces in terms of its look, feel, and function. The latest accessories collection is on the radar chic and emulates practical sensibility.  Definitely noteworthy, these streamlined pieces offer versatility, utility, and low-key sophistication. To die for bags are soft, lightweight, and above all, functional. Classic shoes are reinvented to suit for both formal and informal fashion. The new direction is best explained by Creative Director Tomas Maier, he says “We started thinking about the way we make things and what effect that has on the outcome.If you make a piece of clothing in a new way, what else can you achieve? The elements that comprise a man’s wardrobe don’t vary that much over time. So to evolve you have to reinvent what you already have.”

In the Philippines, Bottega Veneta is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati and Rustan’s Makati.

Chic Perspective

The DKNY Fall Winter 2011 AD campaign shows a new perspective with a more sophisticated and dressed-up look for fall and went uptown with a downtown edge. Lensed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, the photos show the evolution and the different facets of a woman’s life and featured the New York City as the backdrop.The lifestyle campaign is inspired by the power of a woman, the new lifestyle campaign depicts how the original aspiration of Rosemary 25 years ago has become today’s reality – a woman who is involved and makes a difference. The campaign also featured the backdrop, New York City. But instead of making the city anonymous, the photographers shot the city in a new light and gave it more individuality and personality through its architecture.

 In the Philippines, DKNY is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at, Greenbelt 5, Rockwell, Rustan’s Makati, 158 Designer’s Boulevard Alabang Town Center, New Port Mall.

Timeless

Time is of the essence and with it comes an important element of style--watches. The latest from renowned brand Cartier, Délices de Cartier is a priceless timepiece with its curving transparency,smooth tapered case,twisted oval encircled by diamond links,dial bordered by brilliant-cut gems and its carefree curves that embody refinement and sophistication and all that's elegant.  Beautifully made from the finest materials, the wonderful work of art is a timeless masterpiece that captivates any hearts desire.  How can one resist the stunning appeal of such royal and majestic wonder.

Délices de Cartier watch, small model, 18 carat pink gold set with diamonds. Case: 18 carat
 pink gold. Dimensions: width: 30.78 mm (with crown) length: 36.07 mm thickness: 7.20 mm.
 Bezel: set with round diamonds. Dial: silvered, lacquered. Crystal: sapphire. Water-resistance:
30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar. Strap: pink-beige brushed canvas. Folding clasp: 18 carat pink gold.
Movement: quartz. Total: 0.46 carats.

Délices de Cartier watch, XL model, rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold set with
diamonds, set dial. Case: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. Dimensions:
width: 49.18 mm (with crown) length: 50.47 mm thickness: 7.60 mm. Bezel:
set with round diamonds. Dial: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold set with
round diamonds. Crystal: sapphire. Water-resistance: 30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar
 Strap: light grey brushed canvas.Ardillon buckle: rhodium-plated 18 carat white
gold set with round diamonds. Movement: quartz.Total: 5.23 carats.

Délices de Cartier watch, small model, 18 carat pink gold. Case: 18 carat pink gold
 Dimensions: width: 31.53 mm (with crown) length: 36.07 mm thickness: 7.20 mm.
Bezel: 18 carat pink gold. Dial: silvered, lacquered. Crystal: sapphire. Water-resistance:
30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar. Bracelet: 18 caratpink gold. Clasp: 18 carat pink gold.Movement: quartz.

Délices de Cartier watch, large model, rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold set with
diamonds, semi-set dial Case: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. Dimensions:
width: 38.39 mm (with crown) length: 43.81 mm thickness: 7.60 mm. Bezel: set
with round diamonds. Dial: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold, set with round diamonds
Crystal: sapphire.Water-resistance: 30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar. Bracelet: rhodium-plated
18 carat white gold. Clasp: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. Movement: quartz.
Total: 2.14 carats.

Délices de Cartier

And like designer masterpieces, there are certain moments in life that are priceless.  Recently, this author had a two hour post birthday lunch full of catching up and laughter with his Allure( a section of the Philippine Star) family at the popular Chinese restaurant in Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila called Lili. Working with Allure for a decade has been an important part of this author's life.  Taking a trip every Friday from Makati to Port area can be an hour and thirty minute pain due to traffic, but every moment in the office in most cases is always something to look forward to. It maybe once a week, but one meaningful day is better than having days you wished didn't happen. Loving this family gathering, and it was the best way to culminate the series of bday celebrations.  Thanks to Hyatt's sweet PR Assistant Laurie Reyes for dropping by and the staff for delightful surprise.

Alluring family(from left):  Graphic artist Phoebe Marquez, Editor Ms. Joanne Rae Ramirez, the author, Associate editor Bum Tenorio and editorial assistant Jernie May Camposano.

In the Retro

Loving the overflowing retro influences in fashion this season. Diane Von Furstenberg's Fall-Winter 2011 "Urban Geometry " presents a fusion of ‘30s chic and ‘70s glamour in a variety of modern pieces envisioning the modern urban lifestyle.  The style mode is all about casual elegance in easy fabrication.  Chic need not to be too serious as seen in DVF's geometric, abstract shapes and artistic floral prints in languid silhouettes.  Loving the collection's color play from browns to rust, mustard to deep burgundy, and aqua blues to bright jade that recreate the retro vibe in mod silhouettes for a more up to date feel.  Fashion is a cycle and trends perennially keeps on coming back in modern forms.  Loving this style change that evolves to create something new and better.  When this happens, chicness becomes almost a statement in every successful return of retro. 

Diane Von Furstenberg is available at Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza.

Timeless

A picture tells a story.  There is always something interesting about black and white images.  It has this certain quality which seemingly can be quite dramatic and surpass the test of time. One recent ad campaign caught this author's eye and made an impact with it's modern vintage appeal  that looked like an exposition on elegance.  Simple and chic, the latest  AK Anne Klein Fall 2011 Collection is all about versatile and practical pieces for every woman's day to day wardrobe. Perfect for today's career women, the brand presents a range of stylish pieces in classic silhouettes, tailored pieces, graphic prints and subtly textured menswear fabrics suitable for day to night dressing.  Key items for the season come in standout pieces such as shift dresses, blazers, detailed blouses and layering cardigans.  One can never go wrong with the classics, they have this endearing timeless appeal that will never go out of style.

In the Philippines, AK Anne Klein is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Shangri-La Plaza Mall. 

Bohemianism

Bohemian is really big this coming holiday season.  A lot of brands are rethinking one of the all-time favorite looks into something more grown up or polished. Take for instance the Emilio Pucci Fall-Winter 2011 Collection which is all about the more refined and polished boho.  Fused with the aesthetics of the iconic Pucci, jersey dresses and separates are fused with bohemianism in a variety of pleats, patchwork and prints(such as tie-dye, batik, paisley and the classic Pucci trademark). Style is looking back in reference to the 70's via printed details and hints of embellishments.  Loving the modern look as the return of the jersey celebrates in vibrant tones of bordeaux reds, aqua greens, bright pink, gold and blues in distinct pieces for day to night dressing.This season’s Pucci collection has an all grown up boho chic style with an attitude every stylesetter can't resist. 

Emilio Pucci is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati.

Sleek chic

The color trends in the change of seasons are about to make a shift in a couple of weeks as we welcome the unfolding of the looks for the holidays.  Aside from the strong presence and jewel tones as of the biggest to hit it in the coming months, Kenneth Cole New York Men's & Women's Fall Winter 2011 Collection is a refreshing presentation that offers a new palette perspective.  Inspired from the mountains and highlands of Ireland, hues from this rugged landscape such as fatigue greens and earthy browns fused with cobalt blue, spicy saffron and rusty red form the current chic tones one must-have for the incoming season.  Irish culture echoes into fashion as Kenneth Cole New York presents a range of ready to wear pieces reflecting a touch of romanticism for women and rebel for men.  Channeling these sensibilities into the "now" dressing,  the look is classic, ruggedly polished and wearable.  An insight is the minimal presence of black pieces and ensembles in the entire collection is refreshing for a change.  In addition, one can't help notice the return of faux fur as well.  Yes, there's a general understatement that glamour's back with a vengeance! Kenneth Cole's the new sleek in chic has taken the designer brand forward into the arena of modern classic style.

In the Philippines, Kenneth Cole New York is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rockwell, Greenbelt 5, and Rustan’s Makati.

Coat of Arms

In a tropical country such as the Philippines, wearing a coat happens on a rare occasion.  The   only forgiving time where fashioning one can be excused is either when a typhoon/storm happens or during the holidays when the temperature gets a bit cold.  Though the idea of Euro cold-weather layering maybe nearly close to impossible, the next alternative is to take inspiration from the latest collections and use an alternative type of fabrication suitable for the environment.  In recent years, menswear in Manila has been catching up on fashion and has lately resurfaced into the style battlefield with a load of ammunition inspired from the international runways.
One of the key inspirations this season is Burberry Menswear's  Autumn Winter 2011.  The latest collection is re-creating a wonderful rendition of the classic in luxe materials and sculptural volumes. Bold silhouettes, eye-catching details, clean lines and sharp tailoring redefined the brands concept of construction with impeccable elegance.  Brave, bold hues such as thistle blue, bright royal blue, bright teal blue, primary red, bright amber, tangerine, bright caper are mixed with modern neutral like dark charcoal, mid grey mélange, ink, mid brown, dark clove brown, loam, camel, honey, and the classic black and white creating a style army marching from runway to realway.  At this day and age, global fashion has evidently taken the forward march with a refreshing outlook in dressing up men. Menswear is conquering new frontiers and armed with a sever attitude without inhibitions which can be described in today's generation as fearless.

In the Philippines, Burberry is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati, and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.